Hi, Eliza-

You say "Jesus was in the form of a very clear 'apparition.'" That's more-or-less the way I see it.

The question of suffering is a big one. I guess I think that suffering just happens. I don't see God as scripting what happens in our lives. We're in a universe that works according to certain principles that are best defined by science. We operate within those principles, affected by the very powerful forces of consequences and coincidences. It takes real effort to go beyond those forces and accomplish significant change. I see God as a spiritual force that inspires that effort.

I usually give my definition of God as an essence that is both within and beyond each of us, and I see that essence as good and as calling us to good. If I respond to that essence, I can accomplish things beyond the ordinary flow of things.

Other people have other understandings, but mine is what works for me. I don't see an interventionist God that defies the laws of physics - including natural consequences and coincidences.

-Joe-